Where each top quarterback could go in the NFL draft
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Comparatively speaking, this year’s NFL Draft class is weaker at the Quarterback position than it has been in the past couple of years. There is no consensus number-one overall pick at QB this year, as many of them are either viewed as projects or players with low ceilings. Despite this, many QB-needy teams will try to fill that position in the first round, and if given the proper time to develop, some of these prospects could become franchise-caliber signal-callers.
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Malik Willis, Liberty University
Willis is regarded by many as the quarterback with the highest ceiling in this draft class. He has a huge arm and can make plays with his legs as well, which helps him to make plays off-script. His ability to stretch the field and run the ball will keep defenses on their toes in the NFL. His athletic prowess is obvious when watching his tape, but he will still need time to become a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. His decision-making can be erratic at times, as he’ll sometimes be prone to scrambling when his first option isn’t open, to taking a deep shot when his receivers truly aren’t open. His mechanics are a concern as well, and he’ll need to adjust his footwork in particular. I expect him to be the first quarterback taken off the board due to his athletic intangibles, potentially to the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick. Since Jared Goff will most likely be the starter in Detroit in 2022, Willis could sit on the bench his rookie year and learn the playbook while he’d prepare to become QB1 for the Lions in 2023.
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Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Ridder might be the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft class. He’s got a great arm and thrives as a pocket passer, but can also run the ball well. He’s a high football-IQ player who can read defenses well and can scan the whole field to find an open man and make a play. His major weakness is his inconsistent accuracy, which can mostly be attested to his sometimes shaky mechanics. Overall, Ridder can run an offense effectively, and while it would be best for him to sit on the bench for a year, he has the ability to start his first season, and if he can become more consistent playmaker, he has the potential to become a franchise quarterback. He could go to the Seahawks and compete with Drew Lock for the starting job, and would benefit from playing in Shane Waldron’s offensive scheme. I could also see him going to the Steelers and backing up Mitchell Trubisky, as they have a similar skillset, and he would also be a perfect fit for Matt Canada’s run-pass-option scheme.
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Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Pickett improved his draft stock immensely in his redshirt senior campaign at Pitt, throwing for 42 touchdowns and 4,319 yards with a 67.2% completion percentage. He has a quick release, and the arm strength necessary to reach his receivers downfield. His athleticism also helps him make plays off-script, being able to accurately throw on-the-run and keep drives going with his legs. His pocket presence needs improvement, and had some trouble protecting the ball in college, as he fumbled the ball 36 times at Pitt. He also doesn’t have elite arm talent, which will limit his potential. Despite those concerns, he has the football IQ, competitiveness and intangibles necessary to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. I would not be surprised if he is drafted by the Panthers, as he would be an instant upgrade over Sam Darnold and has enough offensive weapons to make his life a bit easier. As long as they can upgrade the protection around Pickett, this would be a slam-dunk pick for Carolina.